MissionSRX: Before Space Recon: Book 101 is a galactic empire science fiction novella written by Matthew D. White. Lieutenant Commander Warren Hughes knew his current command assignment was a modest accomplishment, to say the least. The Defiance was no state of the art battleship; rather, it was little more than a glorified cargo tug, a first-generation civilian freighter that had been modified for the military. He was still its captain, however, and there would be plenty of time for him to get those coveted assignments to real battleships or frigates. For now, he would have to be content with the current mission of The Defiance -- delivering supplies to the colonists and outposts scattered throughout the empire. Sol Bravo was the outer reaches of his route; it was the first system discovered to have sentient life. Hughes' vessel had had some limited contact with the Aquillians, but that would soon change, and change dramatically. The Defiance was off-course, and their emergency broadcast would make matters even worse for the captain and his crew.

Matthew D. White's hard military science fiction novella is an original and exciting first contact thriller that pits a heroic captain and his crew against an implacable alien enemy. While this story is relatively short, White fully develops the three story lines that comprise its plot. The reader gets to see the perspectives of not only Lieutenant Commander Hughes and Lieutenant Kael of one of the outposts waiting for supplies from The Defiant, but also that of the Aquillians, who are convinced they are acting for their very survival against an invading empire. The battle scenes are well-enacted and authentic and the action takes place at breathtaking speed. MissionSRX: Before Space Recon is highly recommended.

Mission: SRX Before Space Recon - A Short Story by Matthew D. White introduces the reader to a war between aliens and humans. The acts of engagement in a defensive warfare are very graphic throughout the story. The action that takes place between the bored crew and the surprise attack from aliens keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, especially when the team is not trained to be fighters but only to deliver medical cargo. Little did the team know the enormity of their cargo until during the attack. The story carries a message of heroes finding things inside of themselves that they did not know they had.

This 59-page short story whets your appetite for what is bound to come in the series; drama, excitement, suspense, and wild imagination. While the characters are developed enough for this short story, I can’t wait to see what the author will do with them in the series. The captain’s demeanor just jumps right out at you. The shipmates showed tremendous courage and teamwork to protect the remaining humans as well as the unknown cargo. While the aliens showed strength and tenacity in not backing down but forging forward to obtain what they came for at any cost, reading about the battle puts you on the edge of your seat with anticipation. The author’s tug of war between humans and aliens are like no other I have read recently. The book seems to be the beginning of a series that sci-fi fans will love and come back for more, especially the impending war to come. Great start to a great series.